Uromi, Edo State — A tragic incident in the Idumoza Community of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, has claimed the life of a hotel owner, Harrison Isesere. The building, which was still under construction, collapsed last Friday while Isesere was reportedly inside.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, over 20 workers who were also on-site at the time of the collapse narrowly escaped, with some sustaining minor injuries. The remains of the deceased were not recovered from the rubble until Sunday morning, two days after the tragedy.
Neighbors who spoke to journalists confirmed that Isesere had been repeatedly cautioned about the quality of materials being used for the construction. One resident, Andrew Inegbebor, stated that the owner had used 12mm rods for the pillars instead of the recommended 16mm, and had also neglected to install a crucial “base basket” at the foundation.
“The building collapsed because of substandard materials,” Inegbebor said. “There was no qualified engineer on-site; the owner was supervising the house himself. Unfortunately, the building gave way and killed the owner, but some workers managed to escape.”
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about building safety regulations and the use of substandard materials in construction projects across the region.
